697 research outputs found
Experimental Violation of Bell Inequality beyond Cirel'son's Bound
The correlations between two qubits belonging to a three-qubit system can
violate the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt-Bell inequality beyond Cirel'son's bound
[A. Cabello, Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 060403 (2002)]. We experimentally demonstrate
such a violation by 7 standard deviations by using a three-photon
polarization-entangled Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state produced by Type-II
spontaneous parametric down-conversion. In addition, using part of our results,
we obtain a violation of the Mermin inequality by 39 standard deviations.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure
Dichotomic Functions and Bell's Theorems
It is shown that correlations of dichotomic functions can not conform to results from Quantum Mechanics. Also, it is seen that the assumptions attendant to optical tests of Bell's Inequalities actually are consistent with classical physics so that in conclusion, Bell's Theorems do not preclude hidden variable interpretations of Quantum Mechanics
Increasing confidence and changing behaviors in primary care providers engaged in genetic counselling.
BackgroundScreening and counseling for genetic conditions is an increasingly important part of primary care practice, particularly given the paucity of genetic counselors in the United States. However, primary care physicians (PCPs) often have an inadequate understanding of evidence-based screening; communication approaches that encourage shared decision-making; ethical, legal, and social implication (ELSI) issues related to screening for genetic mutations; and the basics of clinical genetics. This study explored whether an interactive, web-based genetics curriculum directed at PCPs in non-academic primary care settings was superior at changing practice knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors when compared to a traditional educational approach, particularly when discussing common genetic conditions.MethodsOne hundred twenty one PCPs in California and Pennsylvania physician practices were randomized to either an Intervention Group (IG) or Control Group (CG). IG physicians completed a 6 h interactive web-based curriculum covering communication skills, basics of genetic testing, risk assessment, ELSI issues and practice behaviors. CG physicians were provided with a traditional approach to Continuing Medical Education (CME) (clinical review articles) offering equivalent information.ResultsPCPs in the Intervention Group showed greater increases in knowledge compared to the Control Group. Intervention PCPs were also more satisfied with the educational materials, and more confident in their genetics knowledge and skills compared to those receiving traditional CME materials. Intervention PCPs felt that the web-based curriculum covered medical management, genetics, and ELSI issues significantly better than did the Control Group, and in comparison with traditional curricula. The Intervention Group felt the online tools offered several advantages, and engaged in better shared decision making with standardized patients, however, there was no difference in behavior change between groups with regard to increases in ELSI discussions between PCPs and patients.ConclusionWhile our intervention was deemed more enjoyable, demonstrated significant factual learning and retention, and increased shared decision making practices, there were few differences in behavior changes around ELSI discussions. Unfortunately, barriers to implementing behavior change in clinical genetics is not unique to our intervention. Perhaps the missing element is that busy physicians need systems-level support to engage in meaningful discussions around genetics issues. The next step in promoting active engagement between doctors and patients may be to put into place the tools needed for PCPs to easily access the materials they need at the point-of-care to engage in joint discussions around clinical genetics
Microstructural Characterisation of Resistance Artery Remodelling in Diabetes Mellitus
This is the final version. Available on open access from Karger Publishers via the DOI in this recordIntroduction: Microvascular remodelling is a symptom of cardiovascular disease. Despite the mechanical environment being recognised as a major contributor to the remodelling process, it is currently only understood in a rudimentary way. Objective: Amorphological and mechanicalevaluation of the resistance vasculature in health and diabetes mellitus.Methods: The cells and extracellular matrix of human subcutaneous resistance arteriesfrom abdominal fat biopsieswere imagedusing two-photon fluorescence and second harmonic generationat varying transmural pressure.The results informed a two-layer mechanical model.Results: Diabetic resistance arteries reducedin wall area as pressure was increased. This was attributed to the presence of thick, straight collagen fibre bundles that bracedthe outer wall.The abnormal mechanical environment caused theinternal elastic lamina and endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cellarrangementsto twist. Conclusions: Our resultssuggest diabetic microvascular remodelling is likely to be stress-driven, comprisingat least two stages: 1. Laying down of adventitial bracing fibres that limit outward distension, and 2. Deposition of additional collagen in the media, likely due to the significantly altered mechanical environment. This work represents a step towards elucidating the local stress environment of cells, which iscrucial to build accurate models of mechanotransduction in disease.British Heart FoundationMedical Research Council (MRC)National Institute for Health Research (NIHR
Testing the sensitivity and specificity of the fluorescence microscope (Cyscope®) for malaria diagnosis
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria are necessary components in the control of malaria. The gold standard light microscopy technique has high sensitivity, but is a relatively time-consuming procedure especially during epidemics and in areas of high endemicity. This study attempted to test the sensitivity and specificity of a new diagnostic tool - the Cyscope<sup>® </sup>fluorescence microscope, which is based on the use of Plasmodium nucleic acid-specific fluorescent dyes to facilitate detection of the parasites even in low parasitaemia conditions due to the contrast with the background.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this study, 293 febrile patients above the age of 18 years attending the malaria treatment centre in Sinnar State (Sudan) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Finger-prick blood samples were also collected from the participants to be tested for malaria using the hospital's microscope, the reference laboratory microscope, as well as the Cyscope<sup>® </sup>microscope. The results of the investigations were then used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the Cyscope<sup>® </sup>microscope in reference to gold standard light microscopy.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The sensitivity was found to be 98.2% (95% CI: 90.6%-100%); specificity = 98.3% (95% CI: 95.7% - 99.5%); positive predictive value = 93.3% (95% CI: 83.8% - 98.2%); and negative predictive value = 99.6% (95% CI: 97.6% - 100%).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In conclusion, the Cyscope<sup>® </sup>microscope was found to be sensitive, specific and provide rapid, reliable results in a matter of less than 10 minutes. The Cyscope<sup>® </sup>microscope should be considered as a viable, cheaper and time-saving option for malaria diagnosis, especially in areas where <it>Plasmodium falciparum </it>is the predominant parasite.</p
Quantum Optical Systems for the Implementation of Quantum Information Processing
We review the field of Quantum Optical Information from elementary
considerations through to quantum computation schemes. We illustrate our
discussion with descriptions of experimental demonstrations of key
communication and processing tasks from the last decade and also look forward
to the key results likely in the next decade. We examine both discrete (single
photon) type processing as well as those which employ continuous variable
manipulations. The mathematical formalism is kept to the minimum needed to
understand the key theoretical and experimental results
Unusual acquired gastric outlet obstruction during infancy: a case report
Acquired gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) during infancy beyond the neonatal period is a very rare condition when other congenital causes like infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, antral diaphragm, pyloric atresia etc are excluded. We report an unusual case of 6 month old male child who presented with recurrent episode of vomiting not relieved by medication. On gastrograffin study there was pre pyloric stricture of unknown etiology and was managed by stricturoplasty. We are reporting this case because of its rarity and with excellent outcome if diagnosed and managed properly. Even on extensive search of English literature we are not able to find a single report of this lesion in infants
Ultracold atomic gases in optical lattices: mimicking condensed matter physics and beyond
We review recent developments in the physics of ultracold atomic and
molecular gases in optical lattices. Such systems are nearly perfect
realisations of various kinds of Hubbard models, and as such may very well
serve to mimic condensed matter phenomena. We show how these systems may be
employed as quantum simulators to answer some challenging open questions of
condensed matter, and even high energy physics. After a short presentation of
the models and the methods of treatment of such systems, we discuss in detail,
which challenges of condensed matter physics can be addressed with (i)
disordered ultracold lattice gases, (ii) frustrated ultracold gases, (iii)
spinor lattice gases, (iv) lattice gases in "artificial" magnetic fields, and,
last but not least, (v) quantum information processing in lattice gases. For
completeness, also some recent progress related to the above topics with
trapped cold gases will be discussed.Comment: Review article. v2: published version, 135 pages, 34 figure
Motivational interviewing for low mood and adjustment early after stroke: a feasibility randomised trial
Background
Management of psychological adjustment and low mood after stroke can result in positive health outcomes. We have adapted a talk-based therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), and shown it to be potentially effective for managing low mood and supporting psychological adjustment post-stroke in a single-centre trial. In the current study, we aimed to explore the feasibility of delivering MI using clinical stroke team members, and using an attention control (AC), to inform the protocol for a future definitive trial.
Methods
This parallel two-arm feasibility trial took place in north-west England. Recruitment occurred between December 2012 and November 2013. Participants were stroke patients aged 18 years or over, who were medically stable, had no severe communication problems, and were residents of the hospital catchment. Randomisation was to MI or AC, and was conducted by a researcher not involved in recruitment using opaque sealed envelopes. The main outcome measures were descriptions of study feasibility (recruitment/retention rates, MI delivery by clinical staff, use of AC) and acceptability (through qualitative interviews and completion of study measures), and fidelity to MI and AC (through review of session audio-recordings). Information was also collected on participants’ mood, quality of life, adjustment, and resource-use.
Results
Over 12 months, 461 patients were screened, 124 were screened eligible, and 49 were randomised: 23 to MI, 26 to AC. At 3 months, 13 MI and 18 AC participants completed the follow-up assessment (63% retention). This was less than expected based on our original trial. An AC was successfully implemented. Alternative approaches would be required to ensure the feasibility of clinical staff delivering MI. The study measures, MI, and AC interventions were considered acceptable, and there was good fidelity to the interventions. There were no adverse events related to study participation.
Conclusions
It was possible to recruit and retain participants, train clinical staff to deliver MI, and implement an appropriate AC. Changes would be necessary to conduct a future multi-centre trial, including: assuming a recruitment rate lower than that in the current study; implementing more strategies to increase participant retention; and considering alternative clinical staff groups to undertake the delivery of MI and AC
The scientific basis of climate-smart agriculture: A systematic review protocol
Background: ‘Climate-smart agriculture’ (CSA)—agriculture and food systems that
sustainably increase food production, improve resilience (or adaptive capacity) of farming
systems, and mitigate climate change when possible—has quickly been integrated into the
global development agenda. However, the empirical evidence base for CSA has not been
assembled, complicating the transition from CSA concept to concrete actions, and
contributing to ideological disagreement among development practitioners. Thus, there is an
urgent need to evaluate current knowledge on the effectiveness of CSA to achieve its intended
benefits and inform discourse on food, agriculture, and climate change. This systematic
review intends to establish the scientific evidence base of CSA practices to inform the next
steps in development of agricultural programming and policy. We will evaluate the impact of
73 promising farm-level management practices across five categories (agronomy,
agroforestry, livestock, postharvest management, and energy systems) to assess their
contributions to the three CSA pillars: (1) agronomic and economic productivity, (2)
resilience and adaptive capacity, and (3) climate change mitigation in the developing world.
The resulting data will be compiled into a searchable Web-based database and analytical
engine that can be used to assess the relative effectiveness and strength of evidence for CSA,
as well as identify best-fit practices for specific farming and development contexts. This
represents the largest meta-analysis of agricultural practices to date.
Methods/Design: This protocol sets out the approach for investigating the question: How do
farm-level CSA management practices and technologies affect food production and/or
farmers’ incomes, resilience/adaptive capacity, and climate change mitigation in farming
systems of developing countries? The objective of this ongoing systematic review is to
provide a first appraisal of the evidence for CSA practices in order to inform subsequent
programming. The review is based on data found in English-language peer-reviewed journals
with searches using terms relevant to CSA practices and CSA outcomes. Searches were
conducted via Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus. Articles located were screened first by
abstract and then full text according to predefined eligibility criteria for inclusion in the
review. Data capturing the context of the study (e.g., geographic location, environmental
context), management practices, and impacts (e.g., indicators of CSA outcomes) will be
compiled from those studies that meet the predetermined criteria. Statistical relationships
between practices and impacts will be evaluated via meta-analytical approaches including
response ratios and effect sizes. Mechanisms to identify bias and maintain consistency
continue to be applied throughout the review process. These analyses will be complemented
with an analysis of determinants of/barriers to adoption of promising CSA practices covered
in the meta-analysis. Results of the review will be incorporated into a publicly available Web-based
database. Data will be publicly available under Creative Commons License in 2016
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